Right click on box to control sound

Dateline: July 31, 2001.

Ever had a day that was so bad you could not wait for it to end?

Today was one of those days. It seemed like everything went wrong. Business disappointments. Disappointment with myself for how I handled an interpersonal relationship with someone close to me. Anger that should not have manifested itself. Wrong words spoken to a loved one. Breakdown of a washer dryer with the motor burning up. Stuck on a drawbridge while on the way home.

You get the picture. I know you have had similar days.

Here comes the enemy in our thought life.

Time to give up Jim! This Christian life is nothing but a bed of thorns! Why don't you just forget about it and quit getting hassled by me? Complacency is just a heartbeat away! Give up! Check out! Drop out!

Raging from within my brain, the enemy was relentless today. I was working out at a remote construction site out in the woods with no one within miles of me. I stuck my head out the door and cried to God.

"Rescue me". And He did.

Deep from within my soul, He whispered to me. "You've never been on a cross before!"

And I was lifted up. God had gently reminded me of Romans 8:18, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." I was feeling heavy from the weight of the burdens of a horrible day, and God used his word to strengthen me.

I have never had a day like Jesus had on Calvary. I have never hung between heaven and earth and been mocked by the world. I have never given my blood for anyone. I have not experienced separation from my Father like He did on that day. I have never seen the pain in my friends and relatives as they looked at me and did not understand what I was doing. I never have died for the world.

Today, one day later, I have a renewed perspective. Today I can believe Lamentations 3:22,23. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Jim Young

I have surrounded myself with folks in my home church who think like this.
Come visit us sometime. Click on logo for directions.

My Home Page